The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sum of ₦50 million. Presiding Justice Inyang Ekwo set the bail conditions on Thursday after the lawmaker pleaded not guilty to six counts of cybercrime and defamation filed by the federal government.
As part of the bail terms, Uduaghan is required to produce two sureties who must each deposit ₦50 million and own property within Abuja. She was also barred from traveling outside the country without court approval. The case was adjourned till September 23 for trial.
The suspended senator representing Kogi Central was arraigned over allegations stemming from her April 3 television appearance, where she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating assassination attempts against her. Both men are listed as complainants and witnesses in the case.
The prosecution, which includes evidence from police investigators and fellow lawmakers, alleges that Uduaghan intentionally published false and offensive statements on social media to cause harm and distress, violating the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
This court proceeding follows her six-month suspension from the Senate for allegedly breaching parliamentary conduct rules—a move she has legally challenged, citing victimisation over her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio.
Senator Uduaghan became the first female senator representing Kogi Central after her 2023 election victory on the PDP platform.
